Case for electronic device with surface for attaching building elements

ABSTRACT

A case for a portable electronic device includes a cavity and one or more studded surfaces. The cavity can receive at least a portion of the portable electronic device such that the portable electronic device is removable from the cavity through an opening in the cavity. The studded surfaces can be coupled with one or more building elements

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present invention relates generally to cases for portable electronicdevices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to cases forportable electronic devices that allow for attachment of buildingelements.

2. Description of the Related Art

Portable electronic devices, such as smart phones, portable mediaplayers, and personal digital assistants, have been growing inpopularity. Typically, a portable electronic device includes a housingto contain the electronics for the device, a front panel with a displayscreen, and one or more connector ports for cable connections withexternal computer systems and chargers.

Portable electronic devices may be used in variety of indoor and outdoorenvironments. In these environments, the devices may encounter externalloads (such as a shock loads or vibration) and exposure to foreignmaterials (such as dust, debris, or liquids). In some circumstances,excessive loads or contamination cause a portable electronic device tomalfunction.

Portable electronic devices usually operate on internal batteries. Whenthe charge on the battery in a device runs low, the device must beconnected to an external charging system. In some cases, a device mayrun low on charge in a location where the user does not have access toan external charging system (such as in a park or in the passengersection of an airplane). The user thus may be forced to suspend use ofthe device until the user reaches a location with a charging system.

SUMMARY

Embodiments for a case for a portable electronic device are describedherein. In an embodiment, a case for a portable electronic deviceincludes a cavity and one or more studded surfaces. The cavity canreceive at least a portion of the portable electronic device such thatthe portable electronic device is removable from the cavity through anopening in the cavity. The studded surfaces can be coupled with one ormore building elements.

In an embodiment, a case for a portable electronic device includes acavity and one or more studded surfaces. The cavity can receive at leasta portion of the portable electronic device. The studded surfaces can becoupled with one or more building elements. The studded surfaces are ona side of the case opposite to a display screen of the portableelectronic device when the portable electronic device is installed inthe cavity.

In an embodiment, a portable electronic device holder includes a caseand one or more building elements. The case includes a cavity and one ormore studded surfaces. The cavity can receive at least a portion of theportable electronic device. The building elements are coupled to one ormore of the studded surfaces on the case. The building elements and thecase can hold the portable electronic device in a desired position.

In an embodiment, a method of making a system from building elementsincludes providing a case for portable electronic device. The caseincludes an opening for removing the portable electronic device and oneor more studded surfaces. Building elements are coupled to the case.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a system including a portableelectronic device and a case having studs to which building elements canbe attached.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a portable electronic deviceinstalled in a case having studded surfaces.

FIG. 3 illustrates the interior of one embodiment of a case for aportable electronic device.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view illustrating one embodiment of aportable media player installed in a case having studded surfaces.

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view illustrating one embodiment of aportable media player installed in a case having studded surfaces.

FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of an adjustable stand for a portableelectronic device including a case with a studded surface and a linkage.

FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of an adjustable stand for a portableelectronic device including a case with a studded surface and adjustablestrut.

FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of vertically-mounted holder for aportable electronic device including a case with a studded surface.

FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of a wedge-shaped portable electronicdevice case having a studded rear surface.

FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of a sculpture created on a case fora portable electronic device.

FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of a case to which wheels have beenattached.

While the invention is described herein by way of example for severalembodiments and illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art willrecognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments ordrawings described. It should be understood, that the drawings anddetailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention tothe particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is tocover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within thespirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appendedclaims. The headings used herein are for organizational purposes onlyand are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description orthe claims. As used throughout this application, the word “may” is usedin a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), ratherthan the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words“include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including, but not limitedto.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

As used herein, “building element” means an element that can be combinedwith one or more other elements to form a structure. Structures madefrom building elements may include play structures (for example, a housemade of bricks), toys, sculptures, and functional structures (such as astand, base, cover, or linkage). Examples of building elements includebricks, plates, wheels, figurines, rods, tubes, sleeves, connectors, orhinges.

As used herein, “portable electronic device” means any electronic devicethat is not attached to a structure at a fixed location and that can beoperated, at least for some period of time, without a physicalconnection to a fixed power source. Examples of portable electronicdevices include mobile phones, portable media players, notebookcomputers, computer tablets, wireless devices, and personal digitalassistants (PDAs).

As used herein, “press fit” includes any coupling in which elementscouple when one or more contacting portions of the elements are pushedtogether. In some embodiments, a press fit includes a friction fit, inwhich two parts are held together at least in part by friction betweenthe mating surfaces. In some embodiments, a press fit includes aninterference fit, in which the coupled elements interference with oneanother (for example, a shaft that is slightly larger than a hole intowhich it is inserted). In some embodiments, a press fit may includeresilient engagement (for example, a pin inserted into a hole in anelastomeric sleeve whose inner diameter is less than the diameter of thepin.

As used herein, “sculpture” means a three-dimensional creation, work ofart, or construction.

As used herein, “stud” includes any projection on a surface of anelement. A stud may include a bump, a protuberance a boss, or a pin. Astud may have any suitable shape, including round, square, rectangular,trapezoidal, or oval. In some embodiments, a stud may be formed withinphysical tolerances that allow one or more studs on a surface to becoupled to another element.

As used herein, “studded surface” means a surface of an element thatincludes one or more studs.

In some embodiments, a case for a portable electronic device includesone or more surfaces for attaching building elements to the case. Theportable electronic device may be removable from the case. FIG. 1illustrates one embodiment of a system including a portable electronicdevice and a case having studs to which building elements can beattached. System 100 includes portable electronic device 102 and case104. The electronic device may be, for example, a smart phone such as aniPhone® mobile digital device, produced by Apple Inc. Portableelectronic device 102 is removable from case 104.

Case 104 includes cavity 106 and rear studded surface 108. Cavity 106receives portable electronic device 102. In some embodiments, portableelectronic device 102 snaps into cavity 106.

Rear studded surface 108 includes base plate 112 and studs 114. Studs114 may be arranged in a pattern that includes a series of rows acrossthe surface of base plate 112. Studs 114 may serve as attachment pointsfor building elements.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a portable electronic deviceinstalled in a case having studded surfaces. Portable electronic device102 includes front display screen 124, housing 126, home button 128,side controls 129, and connector 130. Portable electronic device 102 isseated in cavity 106 of case 104. Studded rear surface 108 (shown inFIG. 1) is opposite front display screen 124. Studded rear surface 108may be in plane that is parallel to front display screen 124.

FIG. 3 illustrates the interior of one embodiment of a case for aportable electronic device. Cavity 106 includes opening 132 and grooves134. Opening 132 may allow portable electronic device 102 to beinstalled and removed from case 104. Grooves 134 may receive a portionof the edges of a portable electronic device to retain the device incase 104.

Case 104 includes cutouts 136. Cutouts 136 may be located to correspondto various elements of a particular type of a portable electronicdevice, such as connectors or control buttons. Opening 138 is providedfor camera lens 139 of portable electronic device 102.

Top studded surface 140 is located on the upper rim of case 104. Topstudded surface 140 includes base plate 144 and studs 146. Studs 146 mayserve as attachment points for building elements.

Case 104 may be made from any suitable material. In some embodiments,case 104 is injected molded. In some embodiments, a case is made of anacrylonitrile butadiene styrene (“ABS”) copolymer. In one embodiment,the case is made of high flow-grade ABS, such as PA-737 POLYLAC® highflow ABS or PA-758 ABS, both produced by Chi Mei Corporation.

In certain embodiments, one or more of the edges of a case may beflexible. In some embodiments, the edges of a case may resilientlyengage with the sides of a portable electronic device.

In some embodiments, building elements can be coupled to studs on astudded surface of a case by way of a press fit. The connection betweenthe studded surfaces and the building elements may be, for example,based on a clamping effect such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,005,282,“Toy Building Brick”, to G. K. Christiansen, which hereby isincorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

In some embodiments, tolerances on the size, shape, and spacing of studson a case are controlled within specified tolerances such that standardblocks available from one or more building block manufacturers can beattached to the studs. In one embodiment, the studded surfaces allow forthe attachment of LEGO® building elements, produced by LEGO Group. Inone embodiment, each of studs 114 and studs 146 on studded surfaces 110are 4.856 millimeters in diameter and 1.869 millimeters in height. Inone embodiment, the distance between centers of adjacent studs 114 andbetween centers of adjacent studs 146 is 7.992 millimeters. In someembodiments, size and position tolerances are within +0.015/−0.015millimeters.

In some embodiments, a case for a portable media player allowsattachment of building elements at one or more surfaces of the case.FIG. 4 is a front perspective view illustrating one embodiment of aportable media player installed in a case having studded surfaces forattaching building elements. FIG. 5 is a rear perspective viewillustrating one embodiment of a portable media player installed in acase having studded surfaces. System 160 includes portable media player162 and case 164. Portable media player 162 may be, for example, a mediaplayer such as an iPod touch® portable digital device, produced by AppleInc. Case 164 includes cavity 166, rear studded surface 168, top studdedsurface 170, and cutouts 172.

In some embodiments, building elements are coupled to a case for aportable electronic device to create a holder for the portableelectronic device. The holder may provide for placement or positioningof the device relative to a fixed external structure, such as a table,shelf, wall, or cabinet door. In some embodiments, a holder allows auser to adjust the position of the portable electronic device relativeto a fixed external structure (for example, reorienting a display screenfor the portable electronic device). In certain embodiments, the holdermay accommodate, or provide routing for, cables connected to theportable electronic device.

In some embodiments, building elements attached to a case are arrangedto provide a base for placement of a portable electronic device on ahorizontal surface, such as a table top. FIG. 6 illustrates oneembodiment of an adjustable stand for a portable electronic deviceincluding a case with a studded surface and a linkage. System 200includes case 202, base 204, and linkage 206. In one embodiment, case202 is similar to case 104 shown in FIG. 1. Linkage 206 includes rods208, hinge coupler 210, hinge block 212, hinge block 214, and stop block216. Hinge block 212 is coupled to studs on studded surface 218 of case202. Hinge block 214 is coupled to studs on base 204. Hinge block 212,hinge block 214, and hinge coupler 210 may allow linkage to be adjustedto change the angle of case 204 relative to a horizontal surfacesupporting base 204.

FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of an adjustable stand for a portableelectronic device including a case with a studded surface and adjustablestrut. System 220 includes case 222, base 224, strut 226, hinge block228, and stop block 230. In one embodiment, case 222 is similar to case104 shown in FIG. 1. Strut 226 may be pivotally connected to base 224 byway of hinge block 228. Strut 226 may engage under a row of studs onstudded surface 232. If the user desires to change the angle of adisplay screen in case 222 relative to base 204, strut 226 may berotated on hinge block 228 such that the distal end of strut 226 engagesa higher or lower row of studs on studded surface 232.

In some embodiments, building elements attached to a case are arrangedto provide for holding a portable electronic device on a verticalsurface, such as a wall. FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment ofvertically-mounted holder for a portable electronic device including acase having a studded surface. System 240 includes case 242 and wallmount 244. In one embodiment, case 242 is similar to case 104 shown inFIG. 1. Wall mount 244 may be attached to wall 246 with pad 248. Pad 248may be, for example, a double-sided self-adhesive pad. Case 242 may becoupled to wall mount 244 by way of a press fit between studs on studdedsurface 250 and corresponding elements on wall mount 244. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 8, wall mount 244 holds a portable electronicdevice at an upward tilt relative to wall 246. In some embodiments,however, wall mount may hold a device such that the display screen isparallel to the wall, or tilted downward relative to the wall.

In some embodiments, a case for a portable electronic device includes astudded surface that is at an angle relative to the display screen ofthe portable electronic device. FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of awedge-shaped portable electronic device case having a studded rearsurface. Case 260 includes body 262, cavity 266, and studded surface268. Studded surface 268 may be opposite the display screen of aportable electronic device installed in cavity 266. Body 262 may be inthe form of a wedge such that the display screen is at an angle relativeto the surface on which case 260 is resting. For example, in oneembodiment, angle 270 shown in FIG. 9 is about 25 degrees.

In some embodiments, a case for a portable electronic device can be usedas a base surface for creating sculptures from building elements. FIG.10 illustrates one embodiment of a sculpture created on a case for aportable electronic device. Sculpture 280 is assembled on case 282. Inone embodiment, case 282 is similar to case 104 shown in FIG. 1.Elements of sculpture 280 include figurine 284 and probe model 286.Figurine 284 and probe model 286 are coupled to the top of case 282 byway of studs on studded surface 288.

FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of a case to which wheels have beenattached.

System 300 includes case 302 and wheels 304. Wheels 304 roll on axles306. Axles 306 are attached to case 302 by way of axle mounting blocks308. System 300 may have any number of wheels.

In the embodiments shown above, surfaces of cases include studs that canserve as attachment points for building elements. A case for a portableelectronic device may, however, include in various embodiments otherelements or structures for attaching building elements. Examples of suchelements and structures include sockets, loops, tabs, hooks, and ridges.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, studs are evenly spaced in twodimensions (for example, along an “x-axis” and a “y-axis”) across thesurface of the case. Attachment elements may, however, be arranged invarious embodiments with any spacing between elements. In someembodiments, for example, the spacing between rows of studs in onedirection is different from the spacing of rows in another direction.

Although in various embodiments described above, a case included studsthat can be received in corresponding receptacles on building elements,the elements may in various embodiments be reversed. Thus, for examplein certain embodiments a case may have receptacles for receiving studson building elements instead of, or in addition to, having studs on thecase.

Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects ofthe invention may be apparent to those skilled in the art in view ofthis description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed asillustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled inthe art the general manner of carrying out the invention. It is to beunderstood that the forms of the invention shown and described hereinare to be taken as embodiments. Elements and materials may besubstituted for those illustrated and described herein, parts andprocesses may be reversed, and certain features of the invention may beutilized independently, all as would be apparent to one skilled in theart after having the benefit of this description of the invention.Methods may be implemented manually, in software, in hardware, or acombination thereof. The order of any method may be changed, and variouselements may be added, reordered, combined, omitted, modified, etc.Changes may be made in the elements described herein without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A case for a working portable electronic device,comprising: a cavity comprising one or more openings, wherein the cavityis configured to receive at least a portion of the working portableelectronic device such that the working portable electronic device isremovable from the cavity through at least one of the openings; and oneor more studded surfaces configured to couple with one or more buildingelements, wherein at least one of the studded surfaces of the case is ona side of the case that is opposite to a display screen of the workingportable electronic device when the working portable electronic deviceis installed in the cavity.
 2. The case of claim 1, wherein the buildingelements are configured to couple to at least one of the studdedsurfaces by way of a press fit.
 3. The case of claim 1, wherein at leastone of the studded surfaces is configured to couple with standard playbricks.
 4. The case of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the casecomprises a flexible material configured to resiliently couple with theworking portable electronic device.
 5. The case of claim 1, wherein theworking portable electronic device is a working mobile telephone.
 6. Thecase of claim 1, wherein the working portable electronic device is aworking media player.
 7. The case of claim 1, further comprising atleast one opening for a camera lens in the working portable electronicdevice.
 8. The case of claim 1, further comprising at least one openingfor a connector in the working portable electronic device.
 9. A case fora working portable electronic device, comprising: a cavity comprisingone or more openings, wherein the cavity is configured to receive atleast a portion of the working portable electronic device; and one ormore studded surfaces configured to couple with one or more buildingelements, wherein at least one of the studded surfaces of the case is ona side of the case opposite to a display screen of the working portableelectronic device when the portable electronic device is installed inthe cavity.
 10. The case of claim 9, wherein at least one of the studdedsurfaces opposite to the display screen is substantially parallel to thedisplay screen when the working portable electronic device is installedin the case.
 11. The case of claim 9, wherein at least one of thestudded surfaces opposite to the display screen is at an angle relativeto the display screen when the working portable electronic device isinstalled in the cavity.
 12. A -portable electronic device holder,comprising: a case comprising: a cavity comprising one or more openings,wherein the cavity is configured to receive at least a portion of aworking portable electronic device; and one or more studded surfaces,wherein at least one of the studded surfaces of the case is on a side ofthe case that is opposite to a display screen of the working portableelectronic device when the working portable electronic device isinstalled in the cavity; and one or more building elements coupled to atleast one of the studded surfaces, wherein the one or more buildingelements and the case are configured to hold the working portableelectronic device at a desired position or orientation relative to atleast one object.
 13. The portable electronic device holder of claim 12,wherein the holder comprises a stand for holding the working portableelectronic device on a horizontal surface.
 14. The portable electronicdevice holder of claim 12, wherein the holder is configurable to couplethe working portable electronic device to a non-horizontal surface. 15.The portable electronic device holder of claim 12, wherein the holder isadjustable to change the tilt of the display screen relative to theuser.
 16. A method of making a system from building elements,comprising: providing a case for a working portable electronic device,wherein the case comprises: an opening for removing the working portableelectronic device; and one or more studded surfaces, wherein at leastone of the studded surfaces of the case is on a side of the case that isopposite to a display screen of the working portable electronic devicewhen the working portable electronic device is installed in the cavity;and coupling one or more building elements to the case.
 17. The methodof claim 16, wherein the coupling one or more building elements to thecase comprises making a holder for the working portable electronicdevice.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the coupling one or morebuilding elements to the case comprises making a stand for the workingportable electronic device, wherein the stand is configured to supportthe display case on a horizontal surface.
 19. The method of claim 18,further comprising adjusting the stand to change the angle of thedisplay screen of the working portable electronic device relative to thehorizontal surface.